Schools, Safety among Most Read Stories of 2011
The Windrush Academy's challenges held attention all year; unusual events, including last summer's quake and King the police dog's first arrest, also drew interest.
In this town, which is so passionate about education, the hands-down winner for most popular story of the year was every story that had to do with Windrush Academy.
Schools generated the most reader interest generally, with Madera Wins Approval to Add 6th Grade in Coming School Year at the beginning of the year, followed by "Teacher of the Year" Honor for Fairmont's Nanci Buckingham and School Board Votes to Eliminate More than 138 Positions
In April, readers enjoyed El Cerritan To Be New Albany Middle School Principal, Hopes to Bike to Work.
In May, El Cerrito, Kensington Schools Rank From Highest to Lowest in State Tests was the best read story, along with Schools and Home Values: El Cerrito and Albany by Realtor Ron Egherman: “El Cerrito is at risk if it doesn’t have a good middle school within its borders.”
In October, November and December, Windrush drew the most reader attention: Last-Minute Settlement to Allow Windrush to Continue drew a record 235 comments.
But stories about school and learning didn't always top the list.
In February, Patch itself became the draw: A corporate decision to end a popular column,"Weekend Alive," generated ire and sorrow from readers.
Later in the spring, Dave Wienstein's El Cerrito's Dirty "Hot Spots" piqued considerable reader interest.
In July, a 3.3 earthquake caught everyone’s attention. as response to Did You Feel It? showed.
A story with plenty of community interest began in the spring and continued through the summer and into the fall and winter -- the city's largest public art project to date -- Major Public Art Plan Rejected by Art Commission, Back to Drawing Board.
Here’s a sampling of some other stories that rated high with readers:
El Cerrito's Police Dog, King, Makes His First "Arrest"
No April Fools' Joke: City Sales Tax Rises to 10.25% April 1
NY Times Raises Eyebrows, Says El Cerrito Nicknamed "Little Taipei" by Residents
Fatality at Ashby BART, Train Delays on Richmond Line
Einstein's Granddaughter: Moving Tributes at Memorial in El Cerrito
Scores Line Up for Safeway Opening and New Safeway Getting Ready: "Grand Opening" Thursday.
El Cerrito woman and her mother arrested after a 22-gun theft from Albany home
Reader Poll: Does This Video Capture El Cerrito?
Elevation 66 Co-owner Seriously Injured By Police, News Report Says
In your opinion, what was the most important story of the year in El Cerrito?
Tell us in the comments.
